Our Hidden Gems
Want to see what Budapest is like outside of the tripadvisor top-list? Check out our favorite spots tourists often miss!
Panorama Ride on Tramline #2
Experience what National Geographic calls Europe’s most scenic tramline! Start at Jászai Mari tér and take Tram #2 along the river, passing the Parliament and Széchenyi Bridge. The main sights are lit until 11pm, so it's stunning at night as well. During holidays, watch for the Light Tram adorned with thousands of LED lights!
Trams run every 5-10 minutes, and you can use your public transport pass. Just get off before Boráros tér, as it becomes an office area after.
The Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker
The Hospital in the Rock is chilling, eerie, educational and super unique. Carved into the caves under the Buda Castle, it served as a secret hospital and nuclear bunker during WWII, but changed into a museum once peaceful times have come.
Attending a tour there takes you through the tunnels and gives you a glimpse into what life was like during wartime in Hungary. It’s a unique mix of history and adventure, and the guides do a great job of bringing the past to life. A must-see if you want to experience something different!
The northernmost Muslim pilgrimage site in the world is sitting here unnoticed, reminiscent of the Ottoman Occupation of Hungary throughout the 16-17th century. This hidden little gem - especially when its rose garden is in full bloom - is a spot almost all tourists miss. The street and its surroundings only add to the vibe!
Palace District
Stroll through “Palotanegyed”, one of Pest’s most charming neighborhoods, translated best to Palace District for a reason. Not to be confused with the Buda Castle district, it was once home to Budapest’s 19th-century elite, and the architecture still shows it. We suggest you start at Hungarian National Museum, and wander into the district, and take a stop at Mikszáth Kálmán tér for some well-deserved drinks on a beautiful square.
Fun fact: you will see many buildings with only one balcony in the middle - now hosting 10-20 apartments each - that used to be the home to one aristocratic family, and the only balcony belonged to the master bedroom.
Have you ever been in a library that’s housed by a palace? Well, in the Palace district, you can cross that off your bucket list by visiting the Szabó Ervin Library housed in the Neo-Baroque Wenckheim Palace. Let the grand entrance, intricate woodwork, and ornate chandeliers transport you back to the 19th century. Not only is it a work of art, but a popular spot to read and study!
Vintage clothes, delicious coffee, sunday morning boozy brunch & occasional live music.
What more can one need?
Laid-back vibes, with quirky décor and a mix of 70s and 80s nostalgia. If you’d like to upgrade your wardrobe with a timeless piece, grab a drink, or have a coffee with some 80s vibes, this place is for you! It’s located right in the city centre too!
Zwack Unicum Museum
If you want to learn some more about a piece of Hungary's history, and our iconic drink that isn’t Pálinka, make sure to take a tour of the country’s favourite Jägermeister-like bitter's factory: the Zwack Unicum Heritage Visitors' Centre. You can use scenic tram #2 to get there.
Take this chairlift for a relaxing, 15 minute ride up János Hill, with stunning panoramic views of the Buda Hills and Budapest below. In the summer you can treat yourself to some Lángos on the top, climb the Elizabeth Tower, or go explore the nature. It's a great escape from the buzz below!
More info on opening time and tickets here.
A fast-food experience you’ll remember!
Can't choose between architecture, clubbing, or fast food? The iconic McDonald's next to Nyugati railway station has it all! Old-school interior with live DJs every Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 4am, it’s the perfect after-party snack spot.
Óbuda’s Fő tér
Óbuda’s Fő tér is a charming little snapshot of old Buda, showcasing the city’s look from a century ago. Don’t miss the Victor Vasarely Museum if you love modern art, or check out the Museum of Commerce and Hospitality if you’re interested in what eastern-European life looked like around the 20th century.
